Edition #805 (23 November 2012) FACEBOOK & TWITTER Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland Contents: COMMUNITIES, NOT CLUBS SIMPLE CHURCH LEADERS DECLARED 'FRONTLINE MISSIONARIES' FORMER JLS HEAD GIRL 'CLEANS UP' AT AWARD CEREMONY 12,000 ADRA SHOEBOXES HEAD TO BURKINA FASO INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR FALSELY IMPRISONED MEMBERS BUC PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2012 PAISLEY'S COMMUNITY 'WISH' EQUIPPING FOR CHANGE: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TOUGH HIKE CHALLENGE FOR NORTHERN PATHFINDERS SYNAGOGUE ACQUIRED FOR NEW ILFORD CHURCH BUILDING LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE PROGRAMMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK COMING EVENTS ---------------------------------------- COMMUNITIES, NOT CLUBS [Also a BUC News Video Report]

Churches must be focused around community and evangelism, not around 'comfortable clubs and worship'. That was the message to the 222 participants at the 2012 National Lay Bible Workers' Convention, held the weekend of 16 - 18 November at the Staverton Park Hotel, Northants. Both main speakers, and then BUC President, Pastor Ian Sweeney, in his Sabbath morning devotional emphasised that "we won't get to heaven on the basis of getting trained. We need to step out and get our hands dirty." That was straight talking from Pastor Sweeney, perhaps expressing a concern that members enjoy the positive spirit of conventions such as this, but maybe forget to implement what they have learnt when they return home.

That will not be the case this year, according to event organiser, BUC Evangelism director Pastor Eglan Brooks. "I saw almost every hand go up making a commitment to win at least one person to Jesus," he reflected at the end of the convention. "I also saw a real enthusiasm for the 'ShareHim' training, giving real skills to lay-people for public evangelism." 'ShareHim' was a major part of the programme. Jeremiah Weekes is Associate director of the lay-evangelistic programme that started in North Carolina but has now spread worldwide. He used the parable of the talents to show that, "as people in these last days we are called to 'grow people' to use the resources God has given us." Jeremiah noted that "too often in church we have developed a spectator Christianity." The model he then demonstrated was an

"What if sinners came to church?" Dr Errol McLean asks. His response?

"Make worship a grace filled experience where people walk into

intimacy with God."

'Share Him' associate director, Jeremiah Weekes. "The worship service itself should become a

method of sharing Jesus."

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evangelism centred model, noting that 'believing and belonging' are the two central elements – doctrine and relationship go hand in hand. Jeremiah's weekend then got busy with four plenary sessions, three workshops, and countless personal and small group encounters. His workshops on developing public speaking skills were seriously oversubscribed! Dr Errol McLean, Associate director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute, took Jeremiah's message one stage further. "What if sinners came to church?" he asked. Using the Luke 13 example of the women Jesus healed on the Sabbath day he urged that "the greatest and most important thing

to God is not programmes but people!" He emphasised, "Don't let traditions replace true worship… Make worship a grace filled experience where people walk into intimacy with God." Mixing humour with deep Bible study and a practical emphasis, Dr McLean's Saturday night presentation, 'The mischievous ways of God', used the story of Gideon to show how a man hiding from his enemies could become a 'mighty man of valour' even when reduced to an army of three hundred. Applying his lesson to our comfortable church life he startled his audience by concluding, "Too often we are raising tomatoes when we could be raising Lazarus!" However, there were no 'tomatoes' at Staverton. Early rising delegates moved from worship and plenaries, to a choice of 16 workshops, learning, praying, sharing testimonies, and planning how they can put into practice what they were learning. Separate programmes engaged youth and children. They too have a significant place in the community of outreach.

While the presentations were all recorded, it was interesting to note the modern technology delegates used to remember what they were learning. Paul Thompson rapidly took notes of all lectures on his smartphone – giving him a constant reference tool for use in his daily life. Lloyd Moyo, a Dundee member, also used his mobile technology to record presentations, his camera to video highlights of presentations, and also requested the PowerPoint presentation from a workshop that for two years in a row had affected him as a leader. "I have to take this back and share it with my church," he insisted. It can make such a difference. The technology peak came on Saturday

night as Pastor John Surridge, a man who loves to sit and write computer code in his spare time, demonstrated how a simple Bible quiz sharing the 28 Adventist fundamental beliefs is impacting hundreds of lives across the British Isles. The online quiz he has developed, along with careful promotion using Google AdWords, has meant that people from all walks of life have voluntarily, and without pressure, chosen to study 10 of our beliefs in exchange for a free Bible. Interest was so strong in the programme that both American speakers openly stated that they would like to see the 'FreeBible' programme develop into a global exercise. They are going home looking for funding to

expand the project. Delegates, meanwhile, are back home, in their workplaces, and in their churches, committed to not just 'sharing Christ in their community', but rather, 'being the community through which Christ is shared'. Expect to see a difference.

Youth are an integral part of mission –and shared their talents as well as

having their own training programmes.

Praying and sharing – Sabbath morning.

Pastor John Surridge – "How much is a contact worth?"

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A picture gallery, a BUC News video report, and a video interview with Dr Errol McLean are also available. SIMPLE CHURCH LEADERS DECLARED 'FRONTLINE MISSIONARIES' [Katie Ramharacksingh, with Laura Rupsaite]

A lady has stopped smoking as a result of going to meetings with a Simple Church group in Reading, almost every Saturday. Maria's story was one of many told as Simple Church leaders from around the South England Conference gathered at Newbold Primary School, in Bracknell, on Sunday, 4 November. As a type of church planting, Simple Churches are formed with three to five Seventh-day Adventist church members coming together and holding church in their homes on Saturday, solely to evangelise their immediate communities. Programmes include

Bible studies, prayer sessions and discussions, combined with social events during the week. The leaders are chosen by the SEC Church Growth department and go on to bring colleagues, neighbours and other contacts to their homes for the weekly church activities. "Establishing Simple Churches, and generally church planting, is for lay people who are seriously committed to the mission of the Church," explains Pastor Aris Vontzalidis, SEC Church Growth director. "Simple Church leaders are frontline missionaries; we are looking for these people to go out and do in our communities what God has asked of us." Five hours passed rapidly as the leaders shared music, food, challenges and experiences. Pastor Vontzalidis spoke of how the Simple Church in Epsom has been working with a very sick lady. He was impressed to see how their prayers and contact with the lady, for almost a year, have seen her getting better and more connected with the church. There was even further discussion of how a few contacts had taken up Bible studies, with some even committing their lives to God through baptism!

"I don't feel like we have a major challenge at the moment. Most of our challenges are when people start out with us; their challenges become our challenges. Sometimes just trying to figure out how to get more people to come is a challenge, but it's a part of the package!" enthused Laura Rupsaite, one of the leaders of the Simple Church in Reading. "It was good listening to how other leaders are progressing though; it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this."

To find out more about Simple Church, visit <www.simplechurchathome.com> or email <avontzalidis@secadventist.org.uk> at the South England Conference.

FORMER JLS HEAD GIRL 'CLEANS UP' AT AWARD CEREMONY [Katie Ramharacksingh] A former head girl of John Loughborough School, in London, took home six awards at the school's Speech Night on Monday evening, 19 November. Latiqua Barthley, head girl during the 2011-2012 academic year, was the highest achiever in her year group, leaving Year 11 with six A* and five A GSCE grades.

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"It's overwhelming being awarded for all my hard work," revealed Latiqua, who is now studying for the International Baccalaureate. "God has been so good! I was slightly surprised and quite excited. It's an amazing feeling being awarded for your achievements. It makes me want to do more, be better, be greater in the future." Awards presented throughout the evening included: the 'TED Award', given to Latiqua for the highest average point score; the 'Brown Eagle Award', won by Stephen Hibbert as the highest achiever in Year 7; 'Artist of the Year', presented to Toyin Harewood; and the 'Music Award', given to Dwight Johns for outstanding achievement. The evening, held at the nearby Gladesmore Community School, was linked to the theme of their 2012 Graduation Ceremony, 'Nobody Greater than God'. Interactive Keynote Speaker for the programme, Dr Roach, spoke about his own experiences of being discouraged from studies at a young age simply because people couldn't see his potential. Today he has a BSc and is a Doctor of Medicine (MD). He encouraged the young people to constantly say to themselves, 'I am full of potential and, in achieving my goals, I will be like God.'

"It keeps me fulfilled, striving to be on top, but only because I know who I'm aspiring to be like," commented Dr Roach. "I didn't know that the obstacles I experienced, when I was younger, were obstacles. It's only when I got past them, looking back I saw they were stumbling blocks. If I didn't have guidance in my life perhaps I

would have fallen. For me, I now feel a sense of satisfaction when I can pass on my story; aspire today, inspire tomorrow!" The programme highlighted how every child matters, as teachers were able to commend every student on something throughout the evening. The encouraging words from the speaker, teachers and older students touched both parents and younger students. "I'm proud of our young people tonight, it's been an inspiration because the younger ones looking on can aspire to the same things as well," said Margaret Brooks, mother of students in Year 12, Year 11 and Year 8. Her husband, Wayne Brooks, concluded, "I was happy and inspired, it really gave the children a sense of achievement in terms of what the students have accomplished this year." 12,000 ADRA SHOEBOXES HEAD TO BURKINA FASO

Mac couldn't be happier. "Most days I'm loading my truck to make rich people richer. Today, I'm transporting happiness," he beamed while carefully swinging a forty-foot container up from the ADRA compound on Stanborough Park, Watford, onto the back of his lorry. A skilled operative, he was one of the lorry drivers commissioned to transport the two ADRA containers to the Port of Felixstowe. That will start their six week journey by ship to Burkina Faso where 12,000 shoeboxes, WakaWaka solar powered lights, and 250 relief boxes from Aquabox should arrive, ready for distribution, on Boxing Day. What a joyful surprise that will be

Former head girl, Latiqua Barthley, runs

out of hands to show her awards.

Mac lifting the first of two containers headed out to cheer children in

Burkina Faso.

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for thousands of children. ADRA-UK CEO, Bert Smit, was visibly excited as he watched the containers being loaded on Wednesday, 21 November. "So many people, and especially schoolchildren, have made this happen," he stated, noting that there were 4,000 more shoeboxes than in the 2011 appeal. "People are so generous, even when feeling the pinch themselves." That generosity has been seen across the country. In Middlesbrough 167 boxes were collected at the Adventist church while a further 202 were donated by children at a local primary school. Judy Hamilton-Johansson states, "This is the sixth year the school has taken part in our annual shoebox appeal. The kids are so keen to help others and get really excited about making the boxes, after watching the ADRA DVD and realizing how little the children of Africa have, many used their own pocket money to buy gifts." Judy noted that it really helped getting an article published in her local newspaper. She says, "I had people knocking at my door

with boxes." Leamington Spa Mission found members of all ages bringing their creative skills to the fore on Sabbath afternoon, 10 November, sorting, wrapping and packing as well as providing transportation donations. Nigel Clark notes that it was a fun community activity, with the energy levels "maintained with the provision of hot mince pies and mulled juice." In Central London, Claudia Passer rejoiced, "Praise God, we managed to make 104 complete boxes. However, they got so excited and want to go for 200 next year." They are representative of hundreds of churches and volunteers who have made this year's appeal the most successful to date. A young child from Manchester stated, "We saw your video and we wanted to do shoeboxes to make more little kids happy." Not put off by the frost last Sunday morning, another volunteer stated, "When I saw the number of shoeboxes being delivered it was only then I realised how big the shoebox appeal has become." "The response from our members and friends has been phenomenal," states appeal coordinator, Godwin Benjamin. His thanks go not just to the donors, "but also the volunteers who packed boxes at the collection points and those who helped to unload the trucks and pack the two containers. All your efforts were greatly appreciated." Volunteers will also play a part in the distribution next January. Five volunteers have been selected from the applications received in response to an announcement on the ADRA-UK website. The volunteers travel at their own cost but will be hosted while helping with the distribution. Expect to see Mac's smile multiplied a hundredfold as these volunteers see the joy a simple shoebox can bring.

ADRA Programmes officer, Kennedy Habasimbi seals the container. Next time the door opens with will be with

ADRA representatives in Burkina Faso.

Faifley members in Scotland donate 50 shoeboxes.

Young Toby helps packing and labelling in Leamington Spa

Loughborough Church Shoebox Service with Swithland St. Leonard's

C.E. School

Bon voyage!

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Visit the BUC Picture gallery for photos and a video of the shoebox send-off. Follow ADRA-UK on Facebook or on the web. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR FALSELY IMPRISONED MEMBERS [ANN / BUC News]

Seventh-day Adventist World Church President Ted N C Wilson is calling for an International Day of Prayer and Fasting on Sabbath, 1 December to rally support for the release of two Adventists currently imprisoned in the West African country of Togo. Church Executives believe the event will raise awareness of the plight of Antonio dos Anjos Monteiro, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director for the Church's Sahel Union Mission, headquartered in Lome; and Bruno Amah, an Adventist lay-member and businessman, also resident in Lome.

Adventist lawyers and human rights activists have called for both men's release since they were detained in March for conspiracy to commit murder. A Togolese man implicated Monteiro and Amah as conspirators in an alleged blood trafficking network, but a police search of Monteiro's home and local church headquarters did not produce evidence. Since then, local authorities have recognized both men's innocence. "We are asking the entire World Seventh-day Adventist Church to join in prayer and fasting on 1 December," Wilson said. He met with both men in prison earlier this month during a tour of West Africa. "These are falsely accused, innocent church members and we are pleading with the Lord for His intervention so that they can be reunited with their families and continue their work," he said. For more information, or to sign a petition for their release, visit the Adventist News Network website. BUC PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2012

With the glow of the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee both fading into the distant memory, Pastor Ian Sweeney, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, still believes there is a 'feel good' factor within the British public and within the Church he loves. However, that 'feel good' factor has to be turned into more

concrete action, as he shared in a video report this week at the Trans-European Division Winter Meetings in Montenegro. This ten minute video is an ideal report to download and share with your church family, perhaps showing it during the missions spot or an afternoon meeting, or as a basis to talk about mission in your own, local church setting.

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PAISLEY'S COMMUNITY 'WISH' [John Wilby] [Editor's note: John Wilby, Scottish Mission Community Services sponsor, reports on opportunities that might exist elsewhere in the UK for church members to serve their local communities. He hopes it will inspire others to make that first step in helping their neighbours to 'belong before they believe'.]

Paisley residents recently had the opportunity at two drop-in events to voice their concerns and interests, learn what local youths and children think about alcohol and chat with emergency services' representatives. Whilst there they were offered a free mini health check and a workout on a smoothie-making bike. A photographic display highlighted what's good and not so good, about an area that is officially recorded to be among the lowest

5% in Scotland's deprivation index. Visitors heard how the YMCA is engaging with local youth and Paisley 7th Scout Group displayed the community facilities at their newly renovated HQ. Local high school pupils produced an alcohol-free cocktail recipe book and a snakes and ladders alcohol board game. The poster comments of primary schoolchildren about alcohol were particularly revealing. One local resident said, "It's quite heartbreaking to read that these children have already had such a bad experience of alcohol. We should all be more aware of what drinking to excess does to them in the short-term and in the long-term, not to mention what it's doing to our own health and well-being." Community Council Chair, John Wilby, says, "The aim of the WISH Project – West end Is Safer and Healthier – is to create an awareness of the personal, social and financial consequences of alcohol abuse, whilst acknowledging the wider causation factors." This is one of several initiatives to improve the quality of life for local residents. The Community Council organises an annual fair with the theme "Unity in Diversity" and manages the grant-aided community raised-bed growing grounds. John is also chair of ROAR – Reaching Older Adults in Renfrewshire, a charity and limited company that works in partnership to improve and maintain health and well-being. For further information visit Paisley West and Central Community Council. EQUIPPING FOR CHANGE: A HOLISTIC APPROACH [Sophia Nicholls, ASNA Trustee / SEC Disability Ministries Coordinator]

With 650 million people in the world living with a disability, 10 million in the UK and a vast majority not having access to the gospel, the mission of the Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland to equip the church for change would seem a daunting task. However, with the enthusiasm of the delegates and the quality of the presentations and workshops that took place at the 6th annual joint BUC / ASNA National Disability Ministries Coordinators' Conference on Sabbath, 17 November 2012 at the Stanborough

Park church, the task though great will see small changes and will change a life one step at a time. Pastor Terry Messenger, SEC Executive Secretary opened the conference with a reading from Philippians 4:13. He encouraged the coordinators in their mission to make the church a place of worship for all. His advised the members to "look at the bigger picture," to be encouraged when the task seems insurmountable and that "God is in total control of everything."

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This annual event brings Disability coordinators from around the UK together to learn new skills, gain better understanding and to share good practice. "I found the workshop on deaf awareness so interesting" said a delegate working to develop a better understanding of this ministry in her area. Vernon Noel, elder for Disability Ministries in West Bletchley, really enjoyed the day stating that "the conference content was relevant to current issues." Many delegates could relate to some of the experiences shared and longed for future opportunities to further network and learn from each other. Nigel Nicholls, Chair of ASNA trustees presented a thought-provoking seminar 'Beyond caring towards friendship' which encourages a new look at ministry which sits more towards the 'heart of God' rather than 'the mind of God'. Joy Bussey, Special Needs Camp coordinator, expressed the need for a new approach to ministry for people with learning disabilities which leans more towards friendship. Pastor Patrick Johnson, doctoral student in practical theology and disability, stated that "the theology of friendship ministry would require a paradigm shift in the thinking of many Adventist churches for a change to take place." The day culminated with excellent taster workshops presented by Angelette Muller who spoke on Nutrition, Diet and Autism. NEC Special Needs and Disability Ministries coordinator Grace Walsh reminded us about the need to have a better understanding of the needs of members and local contacts with mental illness relating the principles of the Mental Illness First Aid training. Patricia Wilfort, from Action on Hearing Loss (formerly known as the Royal National Institute for Deaf People) demonstrated a number of simple changes that can be made in our church communities to ensure access for people who lose their hearing at a late stage in life as well as those born with deafness. Delegates left the conference revived and enthused with the mission asking for further training and a longer session, perhaps a weekend, next time. TOUGH HIKE CHALLENGE FOR NORTHERN PATHFINDERS [Ikwisa Mwasumbi / BUC News]

Temperatures ranging from +5 to -1 Celsius might be enough to discourage some, but not seven Pathfinders from across Area 3 of the North England Conference. Joined by Leeds pastor, Ikwisa Mwasumbi, an enthusiastic lover of hiking and the outdoors, their challenge was an 8 mile overnight hike in cold November weather. Carrying all their needed equipment, tents and clothing in

backpacks, they met at midday at Kettlewell car park, a small Yorkshire hamlet nestled in the scenic Yorkshire Dales National Park. Their destination was Deepdale Farm wild campground, the only one of the type in the Upper Wharfdale area of the park. Shortly after they hit the Dalesway footpath off Kettlewell, it was clear who had heavier bags. The group split in two, with Rayson, a very promising hiker, leading the first group, together with Jordan, George, and Matthew. Gugu, Trevon and Pastor Mwasumbi trailed behind, with slow and heavy steps. Apart from the showers on few occasions and the bitter cold, the Dales afforded the most breath-taking views and a setting for a Sabbath that will always be remembered! Pathfindering really does give an opportunity to enjoy God's creation at its best, to share fellowship, to have adventures, develop memories, and learn new skills.

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SYNAGOGUE ACQUIRED FOR NEW ILFORD CHURCH BUILDING [Katie Ramharacksingh]

A synagogue in East London will become the new Ilford Seventh-day Adventist church early next year. After being acquired in October, 2012, members of the current Ilford church, as well as people from the surrounding community, were invited to visit the synagogue on Sunday, 18 November. The synagogue was discovered by Ilford member, Alan Rodney. The new building is four times as large as their current church with a 500-person capacity sanctuary, a hall and over a dozen

rooms for Sabbath School classes and groups. "There is so much space!" enthused Shirley Austin, Ilford church member. "There's no crowding or cramping; there's space for everything. I have always thought that when we needed a bigger church God would send us one. At the moment a ceiling separates our congregation, with people in the sanctuary downstairs and in the hall upstairs. I think the new building will bring us closer as a congregation, with everyone able to see each other while worshipping together." For years, like many of our churches, the Ilford congregation has been outgrowing their building. Now that this opportunity has arisen, both the Ilford church and the East Ham church will benefit, as the East Ham church have, in turn, purchased Ilford's current building which will suit their needs better than their current facilities.

LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE There are difficult questions to answer in the 23 November issue of MESSENGER, the official journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland. Sports Ministry: is there really such a thing? False teachers unmasked, and challenging, unusual ways to witness. All this, with local news and stunning Megapixels of creation, available online or from a church near you.

PROGRAMMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK Here are some programme highlights for the coming week: On Revelation TV (Sky 581 or Freesat 692):

The Journey: We repeat the most commented on and appreciated programme so far: 'What kind of God?' In sympathetic language this edition travels the world to find the Saviour and discover the character of the God we can trust. Thursday, 22 November, 8:30 pm repeated Sunday lunchtime, 1 pm. Next week: Seeking the lost – in the Lake District. On Hope TV you can watch a wide variety of programmes

on the satellite and website. Next week's schedule includes the following UK produced programmes among its much larger international output:

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Friday 23 November: 8:00 pm: The Journey: 'Why did Jesus have to die?', 8:30 pm: FaithTalks: Teens and Faith, Midnight: Why did Jesus have to die? Sabbath 24 November: 9:00 am & 7:00 pm: Why did Jesus have to die? 7:30 pm: FaithTalks: Teens and Faith Monday 26 November: 12:30 pm: In Conversation, Anne Loftman – Love in action, 9:30 pm: Viewpoint: Christians and Finance Wednesday 28 November: 8:00 am: Viewpoint: Christians and Finance, 11:00 pm: In Conversation, Mike Ostrovljanovic – Crashing to success Friday 30 November: 8:00 pm: The Journey: Iona and Worship, 8:30 pm: FaithTalks: Is God a moral monster?, Midnight: Iona and Worship Sabbath 1 December: 9:00 am & 7:00 pm: Iona and Worship, 7:30 pm: FaithTalks: Is God a moral monster? COMING EVENTS For a full listing of Coming Events please visit www.adventistevents.org.uk PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (EXPOSING THE TRUE ENEMY). Continuing to Saturday, 1 December. Speaker: Michael Dantzie. Dates remaining: 23, 24, 30 Nov & 1 Dec. Times: Fridays, 19:00 - 20:30 and Sabbath, 16:30 - 18:30. Watford Town Adventist Church, 1-5 Brixton Road, Watford, Herts, WD24 5AB. 5-10 minute walk from Watford Junction. Contact: Carol-Anne <casparkes05@gmail.com>. Phone: 07773732167. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY @ YARDLEY CHURCH BIRMINGHAM. Sabbath, 24 November. Title ‒ "Keeping It Real In The Darkest Hour". Speaker ‒ Adrian McQueen. Address: Yardley Adventist Church, Friends Institute, Berkley Road, Hay Mills, Birmingham, B25 8NW. Contact: Rel Lib Team <yardleysdachurch@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07528656546. DIG A LITTLE DEEPER AT STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH. Sabbath, 24 November. Series of workshops designed to equip us how to study different types of texts in the Bible, so that our personal or group Bible study time is more exciting and inspiring. Venue: Stanborough Park Church, 609 St Albans Road, Garston, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JL; in the Armstrong Hall at 4:00 pm. Contact: Pastor Ivana Mendez <ivanamendez@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 07539326780. NRPF SEMINAR. Sabbath, 24 November. Be.Still.Ministries presents a seminar for anyone who is or knows someone subject to immigration control. Providing clear and accurate information as well as raising awareness of NRPF. Sabbath, 24 November @ 4:30 pm. Greenwich Adventist church, Devonshire Drive, Greenwich, London, SE10 8JZ. Contact: Sarah Bashorun <be.still.ministries@gmail.com>. Phone: 07507994541. BASS IN WORSHIP WORKSHOP @ NEWBOLD COLLEGE. Saturday, 24 November. The fourth in the series of Workshops focusing on the use of Musical instruments in Worship produced by Andy Kydd. This workshop will be led by Reginald Christie-Phillips, with support from Eddie Francis on Acoustic Upright, David Francis on Keys, Leon Barclay on Keys, Paul Williams on Guitar, Derek Hughes on Drums, and Antonio Belgrave on Saxophone. Register now to ensure your place. Contact: Reginald Christie-Phillips <cardcean@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07989242109. 'AMAZING GRACE', AN EVENING OF SACRED MUSIC. Saturday, 24 November. Performed by the renowned J.Ahn Trio. 7.30 pm. Stanborough Park Church, 609 St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JL. The J.Ahn Trio (Ji-Eun on violin; Ji-Ae on piano; Ji-Hee on cello), have performed at a number of well known venues in London, have appeared on ATN & KBS Television, and have been broadcast on AWR Radio. Contact: Billie <bulletin@stanboroughchurch.org>. Phone: 07801 579 056. STANBOROUGH PRESS BOOK SALES – JLS. Sunday, 25 November. Adventist Book Centre Food & Book Sale at John Loughborough School, Holcombe Road, Tottenham, N17. Open 10 am to 2 pm.

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‒ CROYDON . Sunday, 25 November. Adventist Book Centre Food & Book Sale at Croydon Adventist Church, 95 Selhurst Road, Norwood, London, SE25 6LH. Open 10 am to 2 pm. Contact: Paul Poddar <ppoddar@stanboroughpress.org.uk>. Phone: 01476 591700. STANBOROUGH SCHOOL: SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES EXAM. Sunday, 25 November, 14.00 - 17.00 pm for prospective students entering Year 7, 9, and 10 in September 2013. The maximum award is worth a 50% reduction on tuition fees. Seventh-day Adventist parents of successful candidates will obtain this reduction in addition to the 30% denominational discount. Candidates must register and pay an administrative fee of £10. To find out about the eligibility criteria please contact Mrs Sonia Poddar at registrar@spsch.org or call 01923 673 268. AN EVENING OF PRAISE. Saturday, 1 December. 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Willesden Adventist Church, Pound Lane/Glebe Road, Willesden, London, NW10 2JD. With ministries in: Poetry, Singing, Mimes, Drama, Musical Pieces, Praise and Worship, Spoken Word. Help raise funds to send Adaneekay Forbes-Cooke to Medical Missionary School. There will also be food on sale after the concert. Pledges can be made on the night or make a donation. Contact: Adaneekay Forbes-Cooke <a.forbes.c@gmail.com>. Phone: 07521935339. GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT. Saturday, 1 December. Great evening of instrumental and vocal music, 6 - 10 pm. Featuring: Ulanda Alexander, Tom Humphries, Angaza Kidz, Maranatha Youth Choir & many more. Free entry! Lots of tasty foods for sale. Venue: Salem Baptist Church, 907 Uxbridge Road, Hayes, UB10 0NH. Bus: 207,607. Contact: Mel <vic_b1@verifone.com>. Phone: 07725193892. STANBOROUGH PRESS BOOK SALES ‒ BRIXTON . Sunday, 2 December. Adventist Book Centre Food & Book Sale at Brixton Adventist Church, Santley Street, Clapham, London, SW4 7QG. Open: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. ‒ BRADFORD . Sunday, 2 December. Adventist Book Centre Food & Book Sale at Bradford Adventist Church, 15 Melbourne Place, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD5 0HZ. Open: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Contact: Paul Poddar <ppoddar@stanboroughpress.org.uk>. Phone: 01476 591700. VEGAN JAMAICAN CHRISTMAS COOKING. Thursday, 6 December. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Venue: Towpath House, Lime House Court, 3-11 Dodd St, E14 7EQ. Cost: £40.00. To Book: http://kirlysueskitchen.eventbrite.com/#. Contact: email info@KirlySuesKitchen.co.uk/ or call 07932 594312. Making a vegan Christmas meal is really simple. Watch a demonstration on how to make a starter, a main course, a dessert and a drink, giving you lots of hints and tips. We show you the tricks to getting a meal that is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and still tasty enough for non-vegans as well. At the end of the class you will be given: The recipe sheets for the dishes demonstrated; An opportunity to taste samples of the recipes being demonstrated; A free copy of the cook book "Kirly-Sue's Kitchen" with over 50 tasty vegan recipes. Contact: Susanne Kirlew <info@kirlysueskitchen.co.uk>. Phone: 07932594312. HAMPSTEAD CHURCH MUSIC DAY/FESTIVAL OF PRAISE. Sabbath, 8 December. Come and join the Hampstead Adventist Choral Society in their annual afternoon of praise to the Most High. Join in the carol singing and Singspiration with the amazing HACS Millennium Orchestra. Enjoy the military sounds of the HACS Millennium Brass. Be blessed by the angelic voice of young Tennae-Nicole Bell, The Hampstead Deacons Choir & HACS Semi-Chorus. Free entry! Doors open @ 4:30 pm. Venue: Hampstead Seventh-day Adventist Church, 66 Haverstock Hill, London, NW3 2BE. For more information, please contact Fiona on dwanell@googlemail.com or mobile 07746 359 839. Fiona D Pacquette, Hampstead Music Director, Hampstead Adventist Choral Society (HACS) Director. YOUTH BANQUET 2012. Saturday, 8 December. You're invited to celebrate the end of the year in style by joining us for a banquet at Manzil Restaurant. A 3 course meal will be served while you are entertained by musicians from around the country. Time: 6 - 10 pm. Age: 16+. Price: £25 (£29 after 25 November). Dress Code: formal/evening wear. To pay please visit: http://youth.northmanchestersda.org.uk/. Contact: Grace Nkeshimana <gracenkeshimana@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07875325416.

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STANBOROUGH PRESS BOOK SALE. Sunday, 9 December. Open House, Food & Book Sale at The Stanborough Press, Alma Park, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, NG31 9SL. Open 9 am to 4 pm. Contact: Paul Poddar <ppoddar@stanboroughpress.org.uk>. Phone: 01476 591700. THE SHOWCASE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ‒ WITH TRIO. Sunday, 9 December. TRIO AKA Clive Palmer and Donald Brown are the hosts for this event at The New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham (1,300 seats). Sunday, 9 December, 7:00 pm. The 'A Sporting Chance for Peace Sculpture' by the internationally acclaimed British sculptor, Donald Brown will be featured as the key component for raising funds for groups and churches that attend The Showcase. See the sculpture via this link: http://www.thestruggleforchange.co.uk/files/5-month-process.pdf. For more information on how to qualify for funding, contact donaldbrownart@gmail.com. TRIO are two Christian comedians, Clive Palmer and Donald Brown who have been around for over 30 years and have thrilled gospel audiences nationwide with clean, hilarious comedy. Booking information via this link: http://www.atgtickets.com/The-Showcase-Christmas-Special-Tickets/242/4793/. A Global Gallery Limited Promotion. Contact: Donald Brown <donaldbrownart@gmail.com>. ---------------------------------------- SMALL ADS ONE BEDROOM UNFURNISHED FLAT in St Albans available to rent on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy basis. Separate kitchen, bathroom and lounge. Rent £557 per calendar month is due monthly in advance by direct debit plus an additional one month's rent as deposit at outset. Two references required – one from local church pastor and one from current employer to include contact details. Contact Pat Walton on 01727 860331 or email pwalton@ted-adventist.org. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 'ADVENT SHELTER' which will cater for 80 homeless men and 20 homeless women or rough sleepers from 24-31 December 2012 at the Advent Centre. It is being sponsored by the SEC Community Ministries department. Cooks, security, kitchen assistants, first aiders, IT technicians and much more help is required. Please request an application form which is to be returned by Friday 30 November 2012. Tangible donations are also requested including partly worn and new winter clothes for men. Contact your Community Services leader for more details; Natalie Simon nsimon@secadventist.org.uk or Elsie Staple estaple@secadventist.org.uk for application forms. JOB VACANCY. Matron, Stanborough Boarding School – Volunteer position. Closing date 13 December 2012. For more details on this and several other job vacancies please visit our Job Vacancies page. BUC News is a weekly news bulletin produced by the British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and edited by the Communication Department. Victor Hulbert, director; Mary Kapon, secretary. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably as simple email text. All unattributed stories written by the editorial team. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk. The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed by individuals cited in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though we try to ensure that they do. You are free to re-print any portion of this bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify BUC News or other sources whenever you publish these materials. Back issues and an RSS feed including photographs are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk. You can manually unsubscribe from this mailing list by clicking on reply and including the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. You can subscribe to ANN (Adventist News Network), the email news bulletin of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, on the GC website at: <http://news.adventist.org. You can subscribe to TED News, the email news bulletin of the Trans-European Division, by sending your name and email address to: <tednews@ted-adventist.org.

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The British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts no liability to any party for any error, omission or mis-statement by any contributor in any material published in this newsletter.